I recently inherited a DFI LanParty P45 Micro-ATX motherboard and an Intel Core2 Quad Q6600. I have some extra PSUs and RAM, and a decent GPU sitting around so I was just going to make myself a nice little gaming machine. However, I do not have a replacement CPU cooler for that LGA 775 socket. Any recommendations for a budget CPU cooler for this build?

Check out Newegg's Shell Shocker RIGHT NOW. It seems to have positive ratings, and is only $20. If you're not overclocking, I don't think there will be any worry, otherwise I would personally spend a bit more to be on the "just in case" side of things. Also, for $10 more you can get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus, which has 5 eggs and was recommended in the latest System Guide.

"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP"

superjawes wrote:Check out Newegg's Shell Shocker RIGHT NOW. It seems to have positive ratings, and is only $20. If you're not overclocking, I don't think there will be any worry, otherwise I would personally spend a bit more to be on the "just in case" side of things. Also, for $10 more you can get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus, which has 5 eggs and was recommended in the latest System Guide.

I just bought the evo version for my sons computer, well worth the small expense and you can o/c as well.

I have a copper design like that. Never had any sort of trouble. I got it because there were several reviews saying that the new i7 processers were running hot, and I figured if I was going to spend the extra to get an i7 over a Core 2, it was worth making sure things stayed cool. Granted, there are other great designs right now, but I still think the V looks cool.

"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP"

If a TJ08B-E is overbudget for you, then the Fractal Design Core 1000 is worth a look. It's very basic in some departments (notably drive cages) but it's well made for the price and has great cooling.

If you want more drive bays without going up to a full ATX size, the coolermaster Elite 343 looks to have reasonable cooling and capacity. It'll likely be better made than the cheap flimsy tat that litters the bottom of the MicroATX market segment.

Some people ask me why I have always enclosed my signature in spoiler tags; There is a good reason for that, but I can't elaborate without giving away the plot twist.

I was impressed with the Fractal Design Core 1000 case in a build I did last fall and it now sits atop my budget case recommendations list. Very good build quality for the price, dust filters, AND vibration dampers for the hdds. Fractal Design makes good cases in general.

Also, I have the Silverstone PS07B that I got for $70 after MIR which I recieved less than 2 weeks after I mailed it out! It's essentially the same as the TJ08B-E but has a plastic face and 2 x 120mm front fans instead of the big air penetrator fan. It performs very well, is quiet, has very good cable management and lots of space behind the removable mobo tray, but was a pain to build in. Probably took me twice as long as any other build. Not a good choice if you're regularly digging around inside your case and switching components out like me.